How to Glue Shoes: 4 Basic Steps

Supplies Needed:

In this gluing tutorial you will learn the four basic steps to glue most types of shoes. This video starts with a list of tools and supplies used in most gluing. The rest of the video highlights the four basic steps to gluing shoes. Cobbler Teri Edmonds demonstrates these four basic steps and provides links to additional videos that address the different types of shoes that fall into 3 main categories. The linked video tutorials demonstrate an Air Jordan, Birkenstock clog, a basic flat and a sneaker with a wrap around sole. All supplies can be purchase easily by clicking the Amazon links below.

Step 1 – Disassemble the shoe

Step 2 – Sand surface of sole and shoe

Step 3 – Apply glue to both surfaces and let dry for 20 minutes. If the shoe is of a molded sole construction, meaning the sole wraps along the sides of the upper, you will want to put the shoe together wet.

Step 4 – Assemble the shoe starting with the toes and the heels. Once you have confirmed that the front and back match properly, you can assemble the rest of the shoe.

Buying supplies – The products recommended here have been selected by cobbler Teri Edmonds for all levels of shoemakers. A respirator is recommended even if the room has good ventilation. The oil can is a very handy tool for all workshops. The glue doesn’t dry out and makes getting into the small areas, easier. A screwdriver on hand is useful for prying materials apart. Using a rough grit sandpaper also allows for the easy removal of old glue or paint that is peeling from the upper. The best paint to buy for touch up purposes is the Angeles.